Thursday 1 August, 4.00 pm                    Inter-clan croquet         Crathes Castle                No cost

Hosted by James Burnett of Leys in the magnificent gardens of the Burnett chiefs’ seat near Banchory on Royal Deeside.  Clans taking part to be confirmed but in the past have included Gordon, Forbes, Fraser, Farquharson, Irvine, Leask and Strachan, as well as the Hays and the Burnetts.

Friday 2 August, 10.00 am                       Guided tour of Royal Lochnagar Distillery           £35.00

An opportunity to visit a traditional whisky distillery situated on HM The King’s Balmoral estate near Braemar  

Friday 2 August, 4.00 pm                          Guided tour of Balmoral Castle                            £110.00

A rare opportunity to visit HM The King’s home at Balmoral Castle, a favourite home of sovereigns from Queen Victoria to her late majesty, who died here in September 2022.  Please note places for this activity are very strictly limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

Friday 2 August, 7.00 pm                          Ceilidh,              Longside Village Hall                 £15.00

Traditional dancing to the band led by our own Gordon Hay, where we will be joined by members of various local heritage groups eager to welcome Hays from overseas.  A stovie supper will be provided at 9.00 pm.  Cash bar.

Saturday 3 August, 10.00 am                   Aboyne Highland Games                                        Pay at Gate

Clan Hay will have its usual hospitality tent on the games field, welcoming all comers from about 10.00 am throughout the day.  Our chief will be in attendance to welcome members and guests.

Saturday 3 August, 7.00 pm                     Dinner, Banchory Lodge Hotel                           £65.00

A formal dinner in honour of our Chief, to celebrate his becoming the longest reigning Earl of Erroll, held at one of the finest venues on Deeside.

Dress code - We appreciate that many clan members will be travelling great distances to attend the gathering, so if you do have space in your suitcase for Highland Dress, Black tie, or lounge suit, that would be fantastic. However all Hays are equal, and we do not want to put anyone off attending if you are traveling light. Our Chief would be honoured by your presence, more than by what you are wearing.

Sunday 4 August, 10.00 am                      Private visit, Turriff and District Heritage Museum

A fine local museum in the town close by Delgatie Castle, containing much relating to the Hays and the heritage of the district.        

Sunday 4 August, 12.00 noon                   Lunch, Delgatie Castle, Turriff                            £25.00

Lunch at Delgatie Castle, the Clan Hay Centre, near Turriff, Aberdeenshire.

Sunday 4 August, from 3.00 pm             Tours of the two Slains Castle                               No cost

Visits to the Old and New Castles of Slains, where the Chief, the Earl of Erroll, will guide us round his childhood home, before moving on to the ‘new’ castle, four miles to the north.

Sunday 4 August, from 4.00 pm             Afternoon tea, New Slains Castle                         No cost

Tea provided by the Elrick family, the present owners of the castle, al fresco in the ruins.  A great opportunity to meet the current owners and to hear of their plans to preserve the ruin.

To book, please download the booking form by clicking here.